6 best paper punches

Paper punches are common crafting tools used in various creative projects, particularly in the realms of paper crafts, crafting, arts, and sewing. Here is some information about paper punches:

Basic Function: Paper punches are hand-operated devices that are designed to cut out specific shapes or patterns from sheets of paper.They work by applying pressure to the punch's cutting edge, which is typically a metal blade with a specific shape.
Shapes and Patterns: Paper punches come in a wide variety of shapes and patterns. Some common shapes include circles, squares, hearts, stars, flowers, and animals. There are also more intricate and decorative designs available for creating detailed paper embellishments.
Sizes: Paper punches are available in different sizes, allowing for flexibility in the size of the shapes they create. Smaller punches are suitable for fine details, while larger punches are ideal for creating bold and eye-catching designs.
Materials: Paper punches are typically designed for use with paper and cardstock, but they can also be used with other thin materials like foam sheets, fabric, and thin plastic. Some heavy-duty punches are designed specifically for cutting through thicker materials.
Applications: Paper punches are widely used in various crafting projects, including scrapbooking, card making, gift wrapping, and decorative paper crafts. They are a convenient way to create uniform shapes and add intricate details to your projects.
Ease of Use: Paper punches are easy to use, making them suitable for crafters of all skill levels, including beginners. To use a paper punch, you simply insert a piece of paper into the punch, align it with the desired shape, and then press down on the lever or button to cut out the shape.
Embellishments: The shapes and patterns created by paper punches can be used as embellishments to decorate greeting cards, scrapbook pages, invitations, and more. They can also be layered, stacked, or combined to create unique designs.
Storage: Many crafters store their paper punches in organized storage containers or racks to keep them easily accessible and prevent damage to the cutting edges.
Variations: In addition to standard single-hole punches, there are also border punches and corner punches, which are designed to create decorative edges and corners on paper. These punches are especially popular in scrapbooking.
Maintenance: To ensure the longevity of your paper punches, it's important to periodically clean the cutting edges and replace them if they become dull. Keeping your punches clean and well-maintained will help them cut smoothly and precisely.

Paper punches are versatile tools that add a creative dimension to various crafting projects. Whether you're creating handmade cards, embellishing scrapbooks, or adding decorative touches to gift wrapping, paper punches offer a convenient way to create beautiful shapes and designs with precision.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best paper punches on the market

Bostitch Office HP12 3 Hole Punch, 12 Sheet Capacity, Metal,Silver

Bostitch Office

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Compact, metal three-hole punch for long lasting durability and reliable performance durable all-metal design delivers superior performance while the precision steel punch heads cleanly punch through up to 12 sheets of paper. Rubber base pad provides stability and desktop protection during use. Easy clean chip tray for maintaining a clean work environment. Punches in standard 3-hole configuration with 9/32” diameter holes. Lifetime limited warranty.

Punches up to 12 sheets of paper
Durable, all-metal design
Easy-to-clean chip tray
rubber base pad for stability during use
3-hole configuration

User questions & answers

Question:	Why is shipping $31.99 for a hole punch
Answer:	Good question. I think the answer is a lot of other vendors overcharge for Starrett products on Amazon. The two and three pack listings are not our company's listings.
Question:	What size hole does the punch make
Answer:	One year according to the Starretthe website. These are much nicer than a HF set.
Question:	Just received this, and i can barely slide one piece of paper in. what am i doing wrong? i removed one shipping clip but do not see a second
Answer:	4 inches
Question:	If I want to punch just one sheet of paper will this device close down far enough to cleanly punch 3 holes all the way through just one pc. of paper
Answer:	It's too late in the day to call Athol. Mass today from the Central Time Zone, but I can tell you this. I am a practicing gunsmith machinist, and the older sets I have seem to have less chromium and vanadium in the alloy, 'cause they stay brighter and seem less prone to bending. This could be though, that they're tempered to a higher temperature. This set is also inscribed with fractional as well as metric sizes and are not accurate, so don't use them as plug gauges. E.G. Inscription is "1/4-6mm", miking reveals 31/128" & 6.12mm and 241.5 thouslandths. Very unlike the Starrett of yesteryear. I know for sure the Krupp foundry was unbolted from German earth and shipped to somewhere in the P.R.C. My last dial caliper had china right on the dial face. Knurling is sharp, and point tips are surface ground, heads are not. My guess is made in China. "1/4"" will stand alone on a pink granite surface plate, but a close look will reveal no lapping. No the old Starrett, but still the best around.

Product features

All-Metal Construction

Boasting a durable, all-metal design, this three-hole punch can stand up to the toughest tasks and provide reliable performance for years to come.

Easy-Clean Chip Tray

Built to catch hundreds of paper chips, this hole punch’s oversized waste compartment is ideal for maintaining a clean work environment. Plus, it easily pops open for quick and hassle-free waste disposal.

Compact Power

Slim and lightweight, this compact hole punch tackles up to 12 sheets of paper while taking up minimal space on your desktop. Its reduced size allows for convenient storage in cabinets and drawers.

Desktop Stability

Featuring a non-slip base, this hole punch won’t slide around while you use it. Its protective rubber design protects your desk surface and won’t leave any marks.

BearBoss 5 Pcs Craft Hole Punch, Handmade Scrapbook Paper Puncher, Different Size of Scrapbooking Punches Crafting Designs for Office Supplies, Card Making, DIY Albums Photos, Pink Color (Circle)

Based on 362 reviews Check latest price

✿ PUNCH EFFORTLESSLY--- Featuring an ergonomic, easy to use spring-action lever, you will love how quickly and easily you can punch shapes for all your paper craft projects. Perfect for people with limited hand strength.
✿ CREATE YOUR OWN DESIGN --- You can make different artwork according to your imagination, a perfect option for kids to develop their minds, our scrapbook punches set is suitable for Art Works, DIY crafts, decorate your scrapbooks diary, photo album, envelope, good for making greeting cards, gift wrapping and many other paper handmade products.
✿ Precise Cut --- Made of premuim material. Cleanly punched your paper with no marring on edges etc. Did the job perfectly without need to stop and sharpen on foil.
✿ RECOMMENDATION --- You can use regular paper, EVA foam, foil, craft paper..etc. Craft paper thickness less than 3mm is better; this shape hole punch is your perfect idea for craftwork.
✿ DIFFERENT SIZE --- 5 Different size, 0.3'' / 0.6'' / 1'' / 1.5'' / 2'' inch, Craft Hole Puncher to decorate your scrapbooks, diary, photo album, envelope, suitable for making greeting cards, gift wrapping and many other paper handmade products.

User questions & answers

Question:	Do the whole punch work on cardstock paper
Answer:	They are supposed to be able to, however I have found that after a few punches these do not work properly anymore.
Question:	How can you see what you’re cutting? For example if I make stickers
Answer:	Yes, you can see the image and where you position the circle, by turning it over. Then you can place it just where you need it.
Question:	can a four year old use? are they easy to use or require a lot of strength? I see mixed reviews on this
Answer:	Yes. I had my granddaughter which is 11 helping me with a project. My grandson which is 4 wanted to help. We showed him 1 time how to. Then he punched out the rest I needed. I was watching him while he did it because I was a little scared. But he listened and did a great job.
Question:	How big are the letters
Answer:	0.3'' / 0.6'' / 1.3'' / 1.5'' / 2.6'' inch, this is the size when is outs of the punches

Product features

Create Amazing Designs!

Create meaningful memories by hand with these innovative crafting punches. Just A single pull, You can create party decor, custom cards, scrapbook pages and more.

5 Incredible Sizes to Play

6 Different kinds of Shapes can meet all your needs. Perfect for DIY crafts, greeting cards, gift wrapping, and many other paper handmade products.

Multipurpose

Discover the joy of creating beautiful pieces by hand, creating different designs and artworks to decorate scrapbooks diary, photo album, good for making greeting cards, gift wrapping and many other paper handmade products.

Swingline 1 Hole Punch, Single Hole Puncher, 5 Sheet Capacity, Classic Office Paper Punch for Craft Paper, DIY Crafts, Perfect for Home Office School Supplies, Chrome (74005)

Swingline

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Swingline 1-Hole Punch provides reliable punching wherever you need it. The solid metal punch is built for durability. With a smooth, slim handle and a classic plier design, it easily punches a 1/4” hole through as many as 5 sheets of paper. A built-in compartment holds punched paper chips to reduce mess. When it's full, simply open it over a waste paper basket or garbage bin to empty it. Pocket-sized, all-metal chrome punch is small enough to tote into the classroom or office and is durable enough to withstand whatever you throw at it. Built strong for long-term use.

DURABLE – Handheld, single hole punch is made from solid metal for long-term durability.
CLASSIC DESIGN – Traditional slim handle plier design is easy to operate.
5-SHEET CAPACITY – Punches up to 5 sheets of paper at a time, creating precise 1/4” holes.
LESS MESS – Cleanup of punched holes is simple. A hinged compartment holds punched paper chips. Opens easily to allow disposal of scraps right into the waste basket.
COMPACT – Convenient chrome punch fits easily in pockets and backpacks. Compact enough to take along to work, school or anywhere you need it.

User questions & answers

Question:	what kind of metal
Answer:	Low grade aluminum I believe
Question:	Will it work on Cardboard punching holes
Answer:	Perhaps on one poster-board at a time; however cardboard (thickness of a cardboard shoebox) may be too thick -- may not be a clean cut as well.
Question:	Will it work on playing card ( Bycicle card
Answer:	The one I purchased would not work on anything, straight out of the package -- not even a single sheet of thin paper. Unless you feel particularly lucky, do not buy.
Question:	How far in from the edge of the paper does this punch? What is the depth of its throat
Answer:	I measure about 7/8 inch to the center of the hole.

Product features

Powerful Plier Design Provides Durability and Strength

The all-metal construction of this powerful little punch ensures long-term durability and strength. Classic, handheld 1-hole punch with a slim handle, plier design delivers easy, comfortable hole-punching.

Punches Precise Holes in up to 5 Sheets of Paper

Small punch offers precision, cutting an exact, ¼” hole every time. Punches up to 5 sheets of paper at once. Cleanup of punched holes is simple with an easy-open hinged compartment, which holds the paper chips until you're ready to empty it over a waste basket.

Provides Precise Products for Productivity

Swingline is proud to help you get the job done. Their precise products work as hard as you do, and are designed for long-lasting performance. Swingline’s daring engineering and progressive technology deliver unsurpassed quality and efficiency.

Bostitch inPRESS 20 Reduced Effort Three-Hole Punch, Silver, Black (2220)

Bostitch Office

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Paperwork can be a hassle, but hole punching it shouldn't be. With the PaperPro inPRESS™ 20’s ProPunch™ technology, experience 50% easier, jam-free punching when you need it most. For demanding environments, the sleek all metal construction delivers impressive performance while the base’s non-slip grip protects your desktop and provides stability during use. The integrated ruler and paper guide provide consistency during punching, and the handle locks down for compact storage. Built-in waste chamber collects unwanted chips and easily empties through a door. With a smooth, curved ergonomic handle shape, conquer paper stacks with unprecedented ease. Three-Year Limited Warranty.

FEATURES:

ProPunch™ technology for 50% easier punching

Easily 3 hole punch up to 20 sheets

Sleek, all metal hole punch for powerful performance

Jam-free for smooth, continuous operation

Integrated ruler for quick measuring

Built-in paper guide for accurate hole alignment

Curved, ergonomic handle shape fits comfortably in the palm of your hand

Handle locks down for storage

Non-slip grips on the base offer extra stability + desktop protection during use

50% EASIER PUNCHING - Patented advanced dies allow for 50% easier, jam-free punching.
HANDLE LOCK FOR STORAGE IN COMPACT SPACES - Easily store the punch in drawers with the handle lock; simply push the pin in to lock, and out to unlock.
WASTE COMPARTMENT FOR TIDY DISPOSAL - Internal compartment keeps the chip waste within the base. To empty, simply flip-open the door and empty the paper holes into a waste basket
ALL METAL DESIGN FOR DURABILITY - Created for long-lasting use, the all-metal body not only ensures heavy duty performance, but also a sleek look.
BUILT-IN RULER - Quickly and easily measure in a pinch, or ensure accurate hole placement when working with smaller sheets of paper.
SMOOTH HANDLE PROVIDES COMFORT - Smooth and curved, the handle provides comfort for the palm of your hand during use.
PAPER GUIDE FOR CONSISTENT HOLE PLACEMENT - Integrated paper guide keeps your sheets aligned so the punched holes are consistently placed.

User questions & answers

Question:	how to empty paper
Answer:	If you pull down the movable part on the bottom of the hole punch, it will come off so you can empty the paper particles.
Question:	Can you use this on kraft paper
Answer:	Yes I think it would work, just depends on thickness
Question:	The bottom hole of 3 is offset from the others and edge of the page. Is there any way to adjust the punches
Answer:	I would say your product is defective. This is not an adjustable hole punch, so if one hole is offset, you probably need to exchange for a new one.
Question:	Does it have a window to the waste compartment so you can see when you need to dump out the chads
Answer:	No, unfortunately it does not.

Product features

50% Easier Hole Punching with ProPunch Technology

Paperwork can be a hassle, but hole punching it shouldn't be.

With its ProPunch technology, easily three-hole punch up to 20 sheets, jam-free. Designed with sleek, comfortable curves and a durable all-metal design for long-lasting performance. To ensure consistent hole placement, the punch has an integrated paper guide + ruler. For maintaining a clean work environment, the base holds the chip waste and can be emptied through the flip-open door. Ideal for the home, office or school, this hole puncher is the perfect tool for any setting.

50% Easier Punching

Patented advanced dies allow for 50% easier, jam-free punching.

Handle Lock for Compact Storage in Tight Spaces

Easily store the punch in drawers with the handle lock; simply push the pin in to lock, and out to unlock.

Waste Compartment for Tidy Disposal

Internal compartment keeps the chip waste within the base. To empty, simply flip-open the door and empty the paper holes into a waste basket

All Metal Design for Durability

Created for long-lasting use, the all-metal body not only ensures heavy duty performance, but also a sleek look.

Built-in Ruler

Quickly and easily measure in a pinch, or ensure accurate hole placement when working with smaller sheets of paper.

Smooth Handle Provides Comfort

Smooth and curved, the handle provides comfort for the palm of your hand during use.

Paper Guide for Consistent Hole Placement

Integrated paper guide keeps your sheets aligned so the punched holes are consistently placed.

Fixed 3-Holes for Easy Binder Organization

Three hole configuration is perfect for organizing paperwork in binders, folders with prongs, and for arts and crafts projects.

LoveInUSA Punch Craft Set, 10 Pack Hole Punch Shapes Hole Punch Shape Scrapbooking Supplies Shapes Hole Punch Great for Crafting & Fun Projects

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

❤️ Package included: Mini Scrapbook Paper Puncher 10 pc set
❤️ Ten shapes: snowflake,music,star,butterfly,umbrella,rose,heart,maple leaf,crown,four leaf clover.
❤️ Design: Easy to useand easily cuts through cardstock. This specially designed punch is ideal to create lovely embossed patterns with interior cutouts on cards, envelopes, scrapbook pages and more.
❤️ Use for: Can use Scrapbooking both in the paper and picture edge,Make your album more beautiful to note the nice moment.good for DIY scrapbook, greeting cards making and kids' artwork.
❤️ Notice: Please keep away these items from 0-3 years old children for safety.

User questions & answers

Question:	where can I find a flamingo paper punch
Answer:	Really sorry to tell you that our punch set doesn't include flamingo pattern
Question:	How big is the punch?? 5/8? 7/8? 1inch
Answer:	The punch measures roughly 1 inch by 11/4 inches. The punched out shape measures 5/16 of an inch. These are NOT recommended,as they do not even punch thru cardstock paper, and half of the designs do not even punch through all the way.
Question:	Is this small enough for nails
Answer:	Yes, I use these for nails!
Question:	says it's a 10pc, but shows 15 different punches, which shapes are included
Answer:	Hi, ten shapes:snowflake,music,star,butterfly,umbrella,rose,heart,maple leaf,crown,four leaf clover.

12pcs Craft Hole Punch Shapes Set,Small Paper Puncher for Kids,Single Crafting Scrapbook Punches,Star,Butterfly,Leaf,Christmas Tree.Heart,Tag stamp Cards Mini Cutter Nail Arts crafts Punchers Supplies

Based on 248 reviews Check latest price

Product description

decorative hole punch set

🌺High Grade ABS Plastic and Zinc Alloy Easy to Use and Easily Cuts Through Cardstock， Spring-action Makes The Punch Easier and More Comfortable to Use and Gentle Your Hands. Cute and Sturdy Non-toxic and No Burr or Sharp Edges.
🌺Package Included: Mini Paper Puncher 12 Shapes/set Tree, Tulip, Hollow-out Smiling Face, Cherry Blossom, Butterfly, Snowflake, Heart, Hollow-out Cat Paw, Maple Leaf, Flower, Star, Strawberry,Red .Yellow ,Pink ,Blue,Purple ,Colour Random.
🌺 Product Size is 1.25 x 1 inches,Size of Cut :about 0.31 inch['s strongest point] * Product Weight:1pcs about 0.75 ounces,12pcs about 9 ounces
🌺Use Them for Scrapbooking,DIY Journaling, Greeting Card Making, Nail Art, Photo Albums, Gift Wrapping, and Kids' artwork，Memory Books。Scrapbooking Both in the Paper and Picture Edge,Make Your Album more Beautiful to Note the Nice Moment It Can Excite Children's Curiosity and Promote Imagination, Eeveloping Intelligence, Exercising the Ability of Using Hands and Brain.
🌺 Notice: Please Keep Away These Items from 0-3 Years Old Children for Safety.